5 of the Best Back to School Songs for Primary Schools

School’s (almost) out for summer! But as you know, we teachers are always one step ahead of the game and before you know it, it’ll be time to start getting ready for the autumn term. (Sorry.) To help you prepare, I have compiled this list of my favourite back to school songs, which are perfect for kick-starting the new term and busting the back-to-school blues.

(By back to school songs, I’m talking uplifting, cute and fluffy music for primary schools as opposed to stuff like Pink Floyd’s Brick in the Wall. If you are looking for such a list, the Nation has just what you’re after.)

Back to School Songs: 5 Of the Best

1. It’s a New Year – Niki Davies, The Niki Davies Calendar Of Songs

It’s a new year, it’s really here, so welcome everyone!

As far as aptness goes, this one’s up there with Alice Cooper’s well-known number (although helpfully, it’s rather less defiant). The lyrics are written with the precise purpose of welcoming everyone back and greeting new faces at the start of the school year, while its cheery cadence will help clear away the summer cobwebs and get the kids (and teachers) back into ‘school mode’.

2. Living and Learning – Mark and Helen Johnson, Songs for EVERY Assembly

Interweaving a gentle drumbeat with the soothing sound of birdsong, this is summery song with an African flavour. It’s great for easing kids into the start of the autumn term whilst encouraging a spirit of co-operation and reminding them that, yes, there is work to be done.

3. Together – Mark and Helen Johnson, Songs for EVERY Assembly

We are here together, together, togetherWe are here together, everyoneWhat we do together, together, togetherWhat we do together, we do as one.

Advocate a spirit of community in your school from the very first day of term with this simple but effective tune, brought to you by the same children’s songwriters as item #2. The repeated lyrics are great for younger kids, while the catchy melody ensures that its message lives on in their memories for many years after they’ve left school.

4. We’re Going to Be Friends – The White Stripes, White Blood Cells

Fall is here, hear the yellback to school, ring the bellbrand new shoes, walking bluesclimb the fence, books and pensI can tell that we are gonna be friendsI can tell that we are gonna be friends

Back to school songs don’t get much sweeter than this. Great for the older kids who are starting to grow out of children’s songs, this acoustic piece by dynamic duo The White Stripes has a heartfelt sentiment to it and, unlike most rock songs about school, no controversial lyrics to raise awkward questions later on.

5. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey, Escape

I know. I’m sorry, but it had to be done. Momentous occasions call for cheesy songs, and for young kids, some of whom will be starting school for the first time, this is just such an occasion. Okay, so you may wish to gloss over the lyrics about smoky rooms, wine and cheap perfume, but this makes a great exit song for the first assembly of term.

Haven’t found the back to school song you were looking for? Try Out of the Ark for lots of great songs for school, or this playlist for a collection of well-known songs related to education, youth and new beginnings.